Let's Get to Meditating!

Now you may see meditation quite often in the news, or in movies, or even maybe you've experienced it in a yoga class. Let's get honest, who the heck has time for that?

"What's so great about sitting silently for a few minutes when I could be checking my Instagram?"

Here's a good example:

"Is my phone ringing?"

"I feel like I've been here for an eternity."

"My nose...IT ITCHES!"

Despite those distractions, ask yourself this:

"How would my quality of life change from devoting just 5-10 minutes of meditation a day?"

Focusing and being present can be hard in our fast-paced lives, but once you take the time to do it, it is extremely rewarding to the body and mind. How? Why? Well let's take a look:

Firstly, where did meditation come from? History lesson.

Dating back to ancient times, archaeologists have come to find evidence of wall-art from Indus Valley, dating back 5,000 B.C.E. showing people sitting in what we see today as a common meditative posture. Indian scripture from close to 3,000 years ago has even shown practice and written about mediation for spiritual reasons.

HOW DID IT GET HERE?An Indian Hindu monk named Swami Vivekananda helped introduce meditation in western parts of the world in the 20th century. From there, many other influential people helped pave the way for for this practice in the United States.

WHAT IS IT?Meditation is a mind-body practice that helps to guide you into a state of awareness and acceptance into the many dimensions of yourself, helping gain a more positive way of being. It is commonly used to de-stress, focus, and tune into the habits and patterns of the mind, enhancing one's health and well-being.

Scientists say:

Mental benefits:

Gain peace of mind

Develops intuition

Diminishes anxiety

Sharpens the mind

Develops awareness

+ more

Physical benefits:

Helps with sleep

Helps with immunity strength

Increases serotonin production

Lowers tension in the body

Lowers high blood pressure

+ more

Let's get to meditating!

Find a comfortable seat. I usually sit on the floor of my bedroom, but anywhere that you feel safe will work perfectly. Dim the lights, get your favorite blanket, burn your favorite candle or spray some lavender oil. Whatever sets the mood for you. Sit comfortably - crossed legged or legs out, doesn't matter. Connect with your rhythmic breath and close your eyes. Once there, see what may arise, or use one of these methods!

- Repeat a small affirmation or a on-esyllable mantra (Om!)- Pray- Follow your breath- Tactile repetition with mala beads, rosary, stone, shell, or just fingertips- Gaze at an object for a period of time (person, nature, candle, etc.)

Recently, my favorite method is one I learned about while reading Miracles Now, a book written by Gabrielle Bernstein (amazing author and amazing book!) It can be used in any setting; in the car, at work, or when you're just pissed off! The method is called Kundalini meditation.

With each press of the finger, repeat the words "Peace begins with me."

Everyone's experience with meditation can and will be different. There is no right or wrong way. It's an exciting thing, a safe place to find personal transformation and peace and harmony from within. Our minds are cluttered and stressed and can feel like a jigsaw puzzle, but meditation can help us put the pieces back together to start anew, even if just for the day.